This article is one of a great many articles
written by Dennis Fisher about a very wide variety of subjects concerning
different dogs, such as obedience training, breeding, showing, health
matters, training problems and other subjects. All these articles appear
on Dennis Fisher's websites. Visit
http://www.allaboutgermanshepherddogs.com the site
that has been set up specifically for German Shepherd Dog enthusiasts, or
http://www.freedogadvice.com if you
interested in a breed other than German Shepherd Dogs

The Rottweiler was named after the village
Rottweil in Wurttemberg, Southern Germany and is a descendant of a breed of
mastiff type dog that first appeared in the Southern German region more than
2,000 years ago.

These were dogs that followed the Roman armies
in their conquering marches through southern Germany and used to herd the sheep
and cattle the armies needed for food.

The Rottweiler developed from a mixture of these
ancient dogs and other herding dogs common in the area. Breeders, particularly
in Stuttgart, in the 1800s recognized the potential of these dogs as guard and
herding dog and the dog became popular in this region of Germany. But it was
only in early 20th Century that the breed became really popular and
spread to the rest of Europe.

The Rottweiler was subsequently exported to
enthusiastic breeders in various parts of the world, including the United States
and Great Britain where its excellent qualities as a guard dog were recognized.

Because of his size  males from 27 to as much
as 30 - physical strength and protective qualities, the dog can be an
formidable guard dog. However, it is essential for the dog to be trained.
Training should begin very early when the pup is quite young.

When the Rottweiler is well trained, it can be
a loyal and trustworthy family dog and very good with children. But the dog
can be very self-willed and firm handling is necessary.

The dog also has a tendency to be aggressive
with other animals. For this reason early socialization with other animal in
training classes is necessary.

The color is black with tan markings very much
the same as the coloring of the Doberman Pincher. Because of his short coat very
little grooming is necessary. The head is broad with a definite stop. The
muzzle deep and powerful.

The short back of the Rottweiler is straight and
the hindquarters well muscled.

In movement the Rottweiler should be able to
gait for long periods without tiring. In spite of its bulk the movement is
harmonious.

It is an intelligent dog that responds very
well to training. Rottweilers frequently do well in Obedience test and tracking.

If you are prepared to give a dog of this breed,
the love, attention and the firm training necessary to develop his excellent
natural attributes, you will have a marvelous companion and wonderful guard.

But the training aspect is very
important. With a dog of this size and power training it's important to know
that you are in command at all times.